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[Wedding & Reception] Celebration-Worthy Performance Songs by Style

When you’re asked to perform at a wedding, you might feel happy but also think, “What should I do?” In this article, we’ll introduce classic performance ideas and recommended songs for each type! Knowing in advance what songs are commonly used will help you choose music with confidence for such a celebratory occasion.

It can also help you picture the performance more clearly and motivate you to practice for the big day.

If you want to know the classic wedding performances, plan a performance starting from a song, or learn the staple wedding tracks, be sure to check out this article!

Let's celebrate with live music. (1–10)

Thank youSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Arigatou” MV (Band ver.)
Thank youSUPER BEAVER

How about a rock number that sings of boundless gratitude to someone special? It’s a track by SUPER BEAVER, a four-piece band from Tokyo, included on their third album “361°,” released in 2014.

It’s a perfect song for when you want to express your thanks—despite its relaxed tempo, it features a powerful band sound that’s sure to move your heart.

That famous song on the sax! (1–10)

Creates a moist, mature mood.

If you’re good at the saxophone, why not show off your skills with a performance? Its lustrous tone can create a dreamy, sophisticated atmosphere—sure to captivate everyone who listens!

Aino Katachi feat. HIDENEW!GReeeeN

Tried playing MISIA “Ai no Katachi feat. HIDE (GReeeeN)” on alto sax! Theme song of the drama “Gibo to Musume no Blues”
Aino Katachi feat. HIDENEW!GReeeeN

For saxophone beginners looking for a famous song to try, GReeeeN’s “Ai no Katachi feat.

HIDE” is recommended.

Since the saxophone is a melodic instrument, practicing with songs you like and already know is a shortcut to improvement.

Nowadays, there are many videos for sax beginners that include live demonstrations along with melody sheets, so it’s a great environment for sticking with your practice.

Pay attention to note lengths and the occasional rests, and practice so that you lock solidly into the tempo.

As the song builds, there are more high notes, so it’s good to practice long tones in parallel to ensure each note speaks clearly.

The solo in the interlude is a section to drill intensively, but once you can play it, it sounds really cool—so follow the score carefully and commit to the practice.

You Raise Me UpNEW!Rolf Løvland

Sax alto – You Raise Me Up (Josh Groban), partitura com notas.
You Raise Me UpNEW!Rolf Løvland

This is “You Raise Me Up,” a piece by the Irish–Norwegian duo Secret Garden.

In Japan, it became famous when figure skater Shizuka Arakawa used it at the 2006 Turin Olympics, where she won the gold medal.

Many people may feel it resembles “Londonderry Air” or “Danny Boy,” and in fact this song is based on “Londonderry Air.” Its gently soaring lines make it a perfect match for the saxophone, a melodic instrument.

When it’s a well-known song you already recognize, you’ll improve faster.

Give it a try as a practice piece.

Look up at the stars in the nightNEW!izumi taku

(With sheet music) 'Look Up at the Night Stars' by Kyu Sakamoto / An Otaku Sax Player Tried Performing It
Look up at the stars in the nightNEW!izumi taku

If you’re just starting on the saxophone, a famous song you might want to try is Kyu Sakamoto’s classic “Ue o Muite Arukou” (Sukiyaki) / “Look Up at the Stars at Night” (Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o).

Melodic instruments pair exceptionally well with vocals, and the saxophone in particular often carries the melody in school bands and community wind ensembles.

If you’re thinking of joining an ensemble, being able to play vocal-based melodies you’ve practiced will make you a valuable member, even as a beginner with some experience.

When practicing well-known songs, the key is to align the sung melody you hear with the rhythm on the score and your fingerings.

Start by carefully learning the written rhythms and fingerings so you can phrase it as the original vocal does.

Simply being able to play it accurately without mistakes is already great progress.

And if you can add dynamics and expression so it doesn’t sound monotonous, that’s even better!

1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism

Tried playing Official HIGE DANDism’s “115 Million Kilometer Film” on tenor sax!
1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism

A heartwarming song has been born—one that makes you want to share your excitement with someone.

With the fresh idea of recording days with a lover on movie film, it captures the precious moments of life.

Released in April 2018, the track was included on Official HIGE DANDism’s first full album, “Escaparade,” and was later chosen as the theme song for the film “Love Me, Love Me Not.” When covered on saxophone, it allows for an even more expressive performance.

It’s perfect for weddings and receptions, making a wonderful piece to color the couple’s memories.

Aino Katachi feat. HIDE (GReeeeN)MISIA

"Aino Katachi (feat. HIDE from GReeeeN)" Tried Playing on Saxophone [MISIA]
Aino Katachi feat. HIDE (GReeeeN)MISIA

A timeless song that expresses the shape of love was born from a collaboration between MISIA and HIDE from GReeeeN.

It portrays a universal form of love, imbued with words that symbolize the bonds between family and lovers.

Released in August 2018, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Stepmother and Daughter’s Blues.” This work marks an important milestone celebrating the 20th anniversary of MISIA’s debut.

Covered on saxophone, its warm tone can further convey the depth of love.

It’s a perfect piece for weddings and receptions, sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

In conclusion

Do you want to hype everyone up, move them to tears, or make them smile? Have you decided on the one song for the wedding performance that’s filled with those feelings? The impression of the performance can change dramatically depending on the song—whether it’s fun and upbeat or deeply moving.

Choose while picturing the kind of atmosphere you want to create and how you want everyone at the venue to enjoy it.